For over 20 years CCO has welcomed Chicago’s homeless. Currently, we provide shelter to families of all descriptions, single women and single men. We strive to provide a safe place for our residents to recover from the streets and to move toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency.

CCO’s case-management staff strive to treat each of our residents with dignity and respect while guiding clients towards stability. Residents of CCO’s programs receive assistance with practical matters such as resume writing, job referrals, and housing referrals as well as guidance as they build new lives for themselves and their families. This assistance may be simple: help regaining lost identification or a bus card to take them to a job interview. Sometimes the help our families and individuals need is more complex: resolving conflicts within their family or with other residents, assistance with budgeting skills, and referrals for the treatment of addiction or mental illness. Our staff make every effort to meet the needs of our residents and provide them with opportunities for growth and a new start.

Mental-Health Counseling & On-Site Nursing Visits

CCO is proud to partner with Heartland Health Outreach meet the physical- and mental-health needs of our residents. Collaboration with these outstanding organizations have contributed to the wellness of our residents.

On-Site Classes

Parenting and life-skills classes are ongoing at CCO and provide residents with a safe place to share life experiences and gain new tools to rebuild their lives. Computer classes are available to residents who wish to create a job resume, improve typing skills or explore the internet for employment and housing opportunities.

After-School Program

Three afternoons a week, CCO residents ages 5-12 are welcome to attend the after-school program. This program offers tutoring, educational encouragement and a safe, fun environment.

Free Store

The Free Store allows our shelter residents and low-income neighbors to “shop” for free clothing and household items. Many of our residents come to us with very little clothing for themselves and their children. The Free Store strives to meet their needs through donations we receive from our supporters.